Maintaining Your Outboard
Outboard motors are incredibly popular for many boating activities. From wakeboarding to sportfishing, outboard motors are often reasonably priced, powerful, and dependable. Maintaining outboard motors can be easier than maintaining inboard/outboard motors because they are easy to access, so there’s no excuse for neglecting the basics of outboard engine care.
New Jersey Outboards specializes in these versatile and dependable engines. If you are looking for a new boat, or you just need service on your current one, New Jersey Outboards located in Bayville, New Jersey can help.
After-Boating Maintenance
When dealing with boat motors, there are two types of maintenance that can be equally important. The first is the regular maintenance you perform all year round. The second is the maintenance you perform immediately after boating. The first thing you have to take care of after you pull your boat out of the water is to make sure to purge the water from it. All you need to do is start your engine and let the water pump remove any water that the engine uses for cooling. If you’re in a marine environment, be sure to flush your engine with fresh water to remove any saltwater which can corrode important parts. Many boats will have a hookup for a for this exact purpose. Once you’ve flushed out your engine, unhook the fuel line to burn the remaining gas out of your engine.
Clean it Up
Once your engine is free of water and gas, remove the case that protects the engine from the water. This case is known as the cowling and it’s what allows the engine to run without coming in contact with the water. Wipe down the engine with a clean cloth, and be careful because the engine will be hot. Next, spray any moving parts with lubricant to keep the functioning well. This is a good time to take a look at things like spark plugs and gasket seals to check for leaks. Check your cowling gaskets, too, to make sure they aren’t cracked or damaged. There shouldn’t be water in the engine compartment. If you find any leaks, it’s time for professional servicing.
Keep a Maintenance Schedule
In addition to your post-boating maintenance routine, you should schedule regular maintenance checks to make sure your engine is always ready to go. Outboard motors aren’t precisely like car motors, so they require a few bits of knowledge to properly maintain. First of all, outboard motors aren’t used in the same way cars are. Instead of the stop and go of traffic, which comes with numerous gear changes and rpm changes, outboard motors often operate on high rpm for long stretches of time. This means they can burn through oil faster than a car. It’s best to check your oil regularly and start to get a sense for how much oil it regularly consumes.
To check your oil, first remove the dipstick and wipe it off with a clean piece of cloth. Reinsert the dipstick and remove it. Holding it against the cloth is a good way to provide extra contrast to make it easier to see how much oil is on the dipstick. Note the oil level range indicated at the end of the dipstick. If the oil doesn’t register on the dipstick, it’s definitely time to add oil.
Once you’ve checked your oil, check through your filters and spark plugs. Look for anything out of place and replace anything that’s too dirty or damaged. Remember that your fuel system is an important part of engine maintenance. During the offseason, drain your fuel tank of any remaining fuel and recycle it at an appropriate facility. Try to use high octane gas, as gas that contains ethanol can be hard on your engine. If left long enough, it can even permanently damage it.
Regular maintenance is key when it comes to boat motors, and hopefully, this brief guide gave you a good idea of how to maintain your outboard motor. Should you find a serious problem with your motor, or should it stop working altogether, bring it by New Jersey Outboards. Our New Jersey location is centrally located for customers in New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Connecticut. We’re passionate about boating, so we know how important it is to get you back out on the water as soon as possible.